More from Football

Sissoko deal almost complete

Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko expects to finalise his move to Juventus by the end of the week.

By Chris Burton

Last Updated: 23/01/08 11:11am

Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko expects to finalise his move to Juventus by the end of the week.

The Serie A side have been trailing the midfielder since the transfer window opened and despite protracted negotiations between the two clubs a deal is now almost done.

The Mali international is currently away representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations but he has expressed his desire for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible.

A move to Turin will see Sissoko end a two-and-a-half year spell at Anfield in which he helped the club to FA Cup and European Super Cup success.

Matter of days

"It's a matter of a few days now," Sissoko told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Three days, a maximum of four, and then everything will be decided. I know there has been some movement but we have to wait.

"I confess that wearing the Juventus shirt would be the maximum for me," he said.

"I have been a Juve fan since I was a child because when I was young I was fixated with (Zinedine) Zidane. Then, having followed this team, I have become a fan of (Juve captain Alessandro) Del Piero, a great player."

Did really well

The midfielder will also get the opportunity to work with Claudio Ranieri for a second time after playing under the Italian coach during his time at Valencia.

"I've known Ranieri since my time at Valencia," said Sissoko.

"I did really well with him."

Want to play

Sissoko admits that while he has become disillusioned with life at Liverpoool after making just nine appearances in the Premier League this season, he is still grateful to Rafa Benitez for helping him to develop as a player.

"My reason is a very simple one, I am young and I want to play," he said.

"In Liverpool, I'm not playing.

"But I will also be grateful to Benitez for what he has given me. But in football, things change."